Indonesia ends elephant rides nationwide

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Tourists looking to ride elephants in Indonesia will no longer be able to do so as the country’s government has officially banned the practice, reports News Nation. 

The decision to end the popular tourism attraction throughout the entire archipelago is being applauded by animal rights activists who have long condemned the practice. 

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry’s Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation issued Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025 in December, formally ending elephant riding at all conservation and tourism facilities across the country.

Facilities that previously offered elephant rides are being directed to shift elephant tourism toward ethical, observation-based experiences. Those who fail to comply risk having their operating permits revoked. 

Mason Elephant Park in Bali, one of the final venues in Indonesia to offer elephant rides, ceased the activity Jan. 25 after receiving formal warnings, according to Australian Leisure Management.

“We congratulate the Indonesian Government on taking this world-leading step to safeguarding the dignity of wild animals,” Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns for World Animal Protection, wrote. 

“The ending of elephant rides in Indonesia sends a strong signal to the wider tourism industry that we’re entering a new chapter of more responsible wildlife tourism.”

World Animal Protection and other animal rights organizations, such as PETA, have issued numerous reports over the years detailing harmful treatment and training practices behind elephant rides. These tactics have ranged from physical abuse to the withholding of food and veterinary care.